Running Head: Lead, Inspire, Motivate
Educational Leadership Philosophy: Lead, Inspire, and Motivate
Shantel Harris
L23820607
EDUC 741-DO3
Dr. Beth Ackerman
Running Head: Lead, Inspire, Motivate
Abstract
Educational leadership is imperative to the success of the educational field. I believe
successful leaders’ are the ones that are grounded in their shared values and exhibit these
values on a daily basis. A leaders action can either build trusting relationships among
constituents and students or hinder the growth of positive relationships. It is important
that leaders create a learning environment that is positive, inspiring, and motivating. As
an educational leader I will ensure I develop a clear-shared vision. As a school our shared
vision will help to increase student performance and help students reach their full
potential while allowing teachers to become empowered in the workplace.
Running Head: Lead, Inspire, Motivate
Educational Leadership Philosophy: Lead, Inspire, and Motivate
Chris Hadfield the first Canadian astronaut to walk in space once stated,
“Ultimately, leadership is not about glorious crowning acts. It’s about keeping your team
focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, especially when the stakes
are high and consequences really mater. It is about laying the groundwork for others’
success, and then standing back and letting them shine.” Hadfield’s quote is the epitome
of an exemplary leader in any organization. In the education field there is a lot at stake.
The future of so many children is in the hands of teachers and administrators. The
education field is one of the most important fields in my opinion because we are
preparing students for the future. We are helping students to become productive and good
citizens of society. Successful administrators must genuinely care about the future of all
students.
Effective education, leadership makes a difference in improving learning
(Leithwood, Louis, Anderson, & Wahlstrom, 2004). Without an effective leader it is
difficult for a school to perform at it’s highest level. Exemplary administrators are able to
create a learning environment that is positive and empowering, while motivating their
constituents and students to reach their full potential. The effectiveness of schools, that is,
their ability to achieve their pre-determined goals depends on many variables, but
especially the effectiveness of the administrators who are responsible for the
implementation of the educational programs and curricula (Cobanoglu & Yurek, 2018).
Philosophy of Educational Leadership
Running Head: Lead, Inspire, Motivate
As mentioned earlier there is a lot at stake in the field of education. My
educational leadership philosophy is to first ensure that I’m always accessible and
personally invested in every day school life. It’s important that I create relationships
among both teachers and students, in order to create a climate of trust. I hope to create an
environment in which teachers have high expectations for all students regardless of their
background. As an educational leader it is imperative that I focus on the learning process
and the whole individual, whether it is a student or teacher. I want to ensure that all
students under my administrative guidance are performing at or above their academic
level. I would focus on student achievement gaps among certain demographics and find
effective ways to decrease these gaps with the help from teachers and staff. The things
mentioned can only be done with the collaboration of administration and staff. As a future
educational leader I would like to ensure collaboration is a key aspect of the school
environment. There must be clear communication and collaboration among
administration, teachers, families and the community.
One theory that aligns with my belief of leadership is James McGregor Burns
concept of transformational leadership. Burns stated, “The transformational leader looks
for potential motives in followers, seeks to satisfy higher needs, and engages the full
person of the follower (Burns, 2010). The transformational leadership concept focuses
heavily on cooperation, ethics, and community. All of these aspects are important in the
school environment. Without cooperation amongst administration and staff there will be a
sense of chaos because everyone is not on one accord or there is no shared vision
amongst the organization. Ethics will make sure all students and staff are treated fairly
and provided with support that will help them to be successful. When there is cooperation
Running Head: Lead, Inspire, Motivate
and a sense of fairness a sense of community can then be developed. I would want
everyone in the school to be prideful of the school community and culture.
Leadership Practice
Becoming an exemplary leader, I must first clarify my values. Understanding my
personal values will be a driving force in establishing a commitment to the school or
organization I’m working with. Although values clarity is essential for all leaders, it’s not
enough by itself because leaders don’t speak for themselves; they speak for their
constituents as well (Kouzes & Posner, 2017).
All successful leaders must have a shared vision. It is important to note that the
vision doesn’t simply belong to me as the leader, however it must be accepted amongst
my constituents. Shared visions attract more people, sustain higher levels of motivation,
and withstand more challenges than those that are exclusive to only a few (Kouzes &
Posner, 2017). As a leader I must ensure that I clearly share my vision with both teachers
and parents. I would ask the teachers and staff to give their input and feedback on the
vision and make appropriate changes. The importance of having a shared vision is it will
allow me to reflect on the future and where I would like to my school or organization in
the coming years. Developing a shared vision will also give me the opportunity to self
reflect and become more innovated as a leader.
Another key practice that is important as an educational leader is having an open
door policy. I want teachers to understand that I’m approachable and they are always
welcome to come and discuss their concerns or give feedback.
By using the strategies and practices mentioned in this section I hope to build a
climate of trust and meaningful relationships among the staff. It is important to
Running Head: Lead, Inspire, Motivate
understand that one person cannot do this job alone; instead I want individuals to not be
afraid to take risks and provide feedback. The ultimate goal is to provide students with
the highest educational opportunity possible.
Relationships
There must be a positive relationship between administrator, faculty, and staff.
When staff can see the leader acting in a manner that aligns with their values and vision
this will begin to build trust and “buy-in” from the staff. Both administrator and staff
should have one common goal and that is to make sure all students are academically
successful. The school community should pride themselves on having high expectations
that will eventually help close the achievement gap among students with disadvantages.
As an administrator it is important to provide leadership opportunities, such as using
teacher strengths and allowing them to lead a training or professional development
session. This will give a sense of empowerment. The overall, role between administration
and faculty is to ensure students are receiving support needed to reach their full potential.
Diversity
As an educational leader it is important to understand again your shared values. If
you have a strong sense of who you are and what you believe, only then can you truly
accept and understand someone else’s culture or differences. In the field of education it’s
helpful to learn and study the culture of your students and staff. Learning about other
cultures can be especially helpful when dealing with students and some actions they may
exhibit (i.e. no eye contact). Regardless of our differences we are all made in the image of
God. We are all His creations and should respect one another despite our differences. “A
new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one
Running Head: Lead, Inspire, Motivate
another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another
(John 13:34-35, KJV).”
Conclusion
“Ultimately, leadership is not about glorious crowning acts. It’s about keeping
your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, especially when
the stakes are high and consequences really mater. It is about laying the groundwork for
others’ success, and then standing back and letting them shine. – Chris Hadfield”
Like the quote education is a field where there is high stakes and consequences. We have
the future in our classroom and schools. As educational leaders we must ensure we are
inspiring and motivating these young minds to do great things. Effective leaders are ones
that are not focused on making oneself look good, but rather provide guidance and
trusting and allowing their constituents to successfully complete the task.
Exemplary leaders are ones that have clarity of their personal values and shared
vision. Understanding your personal values will help you become accepting of others
differences. Leaders are able to build positive relationships among students and staff. One
key to gaining trust is simply by giving it. Successful leaders are ones that lead, inspire,
and motivate.
Reference
Running Head: Lead, Inspire, Motivate
Burns, J. M. (2010). Leadership. New York: Harperperennial Politicalclassics.
Cobanoglu, F., Yurek, U. (2018). School administrators’ self-efficacy beliefs and
leadership Styles. European Journal of Educational Research. 7.
Leithwood, K., Louis, K., Anderson, S., & Wahlstrom, K. (2004). Understanding how
leadership influences student learning. Center for Applied Research and
Educational Improvement,3-50. doi:10.1016/b978-0-08-044894-7.00439-5
Kouzes, J.M., & Posner, B. (n.d.). The five practice of exemplary leadership model.
Retrieved from http://www.leadershipchallenge.com/about-section-our-
approach.aspx
Kouzes, J.M. & Posner, B. (2017). The leadership challenge (6th ed.). Hoboken,
NJ: John Wiley and Sons.
